Joint Operation in Manipur Destroys Illegal Poppy Cultivation Spread Over 8 Acres

Imphal: The Assam Rifles on Wednesday said it carried out a joint anti-narcotics operation in Manipur’s Senapati district, destroying illegal poppy cultivation spread across eight acres.

Acting on specific intelligence, the operation was conducted on February 24 in the Sadim Hill Range in coordination with the Central Reserve Police Force, Manipur Police and the state Forest Department.

Security forces detected and uprooted the illicit poppy crop, which officials estimated could have produced around 58 kg of opium with a market value running into several crores of rupees.

"Assam Rifles acting on specific intelligence inputs, conducted a joint anti-narcotics operation alongwith CRPF, Manipur Police and the Forest Department in the Sadim Hill Range, Senapati District, Manipur, on 24 February 2026. During the operation, illicit poppy cultivation spread over 8 acres was detected and destroyed. The crop had the potential to yield approximately 58 kg of opium, valued at multiple crores, dealing a major blow to drug trafficking networks in the region," Assam Rifles wrote on X.

Authorities said the action is expected to significantly disrupt drug trafficking networks operating in the region.

During the drive, two temporary huts along with irrigation pipes, a spray pump and a water container found at the cultivation site were also destroyed.

"Additionally, two makeshift huts, irrigation pipes, a spray pump and a water container found at the site were destroyed. Assam Rifles remains committed to combating narcotics and protecting society, especially the youth, from the harmful effects of drug abuse," Assam Rifles added.

The Assam Rifles reiterated its commitment to continuing anti-narcotics efforts and safeguarding society, particularly the youth, from the dangers of drug abuse.

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